John,

In 1986, Paul Hildwin was wrongly convicted of murder and sexual assault in Florida. He spent 35 years in prison, including 29 years on death row, for a crime he did not commit.

In 2003, the Innocence Project took on his case and sought new DNA testing to help prove his innocence. However, in 2006, while still incarcerated, Paul was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma — an incurable cancer that affects the immune system. During his incarceration, he fought and overcame cancer four times.

Sadly, Paul’s cancer has now returned a fifth time, and because of his health, he’s not able to work. We’re asking this community to help Paul out while he fights cancer by making a donation to his personal fundraiser.

In 2014, Paul was granted a retrial based on newly discovered DNA evidence that excluded him as the perpetrator. Over the next six years, Paul continued fighting off his cancer while simultaneously fighting to be free. In 2020, he beat his cancer and had a choice to take a plea deal and leave prison without exoneration or stay inside. He chose freedom.

Cancer is an awful disease that impacts so many of us, and we know that Paul would be so appreciative of any support you can give him at this difficult time. Please donate to his personal fundraiser right now to help cover his basic living expenses while he undergoes chemotherapy. It will go a long way to help in his recovery and minimize his stress.

Paul has been through so much in his life and we want to support him as much as we can while he fights to beat cancer once again.

With gratitude,

— The Innocence Project Team